Cambo Actus XCD for Hasselblad X1D

Cambo Actus XCD for Hasselblad X1D

Cambo has introduced the new Actus-XCD camera platform so you can now use the Hasselblad X1D camera body. The Actus-XCD has the same specifications as the previously launched Actus-GFX (for the Fuji GFX50s.)

Cambo Actus-XCD

Since launching the Actus in 2014 Cambo have expanded the camera platform to accept more lenses and camera bodies than any other modular technical camera manufacturer. The system has evolved from accepting DSLR and mirrorless cameras to medium format digital backs. With the recent introduction of the Fuji GFX and Hasselblad X1D, the photographer has even more flexibility to expand their Actus camera.

Quick change camera mount

Hasselblad’s firmware upgrade v1.17.2 now enables the user to disable the lens shutter and use the electronic shutter in the sensor. You can find more information about the shutter functionality and how to change the camera settings page 92 of the Hasselblad X1D instruction manual.

X1D Shutter Function

The Cambo Actus-XCD is available now, price €2,299.00 excl.TAX and delivery, around £2,095.00 excl.VAT.

What will I need to order? When you buy the Actus-XCD you will need to buy a lens plate, a lens and ball head. Plus the X1D body.

Comment:

Hasselblad announced the X1D in June 2016 and I must say I was very disappointed that there was no option to use this camera with a technical camera platform. A bit short sighted at first but at least now we have an option to attach the body to a Cambo (or similar) and shoot with applied movements. Fantastic!

Reading through the X1D manual I have a few gripes;

The camera will use the Rolling Shutter available on the sensor which has a read-out time of approximately 300 ms. This will cause distortion of the image if the camera or subject is moving during the exposure. A tripod and a stationary subject is recommended.

ISO will be limited to 3200.

Full image quality is not guaranteed.

Flash is disabled.

We expect Hasselblad to improve the above. Photographers expect high quality images, no lag, higher IOS speeds and more functionality when using flash systems. When we have access to the X1D and XCD we’ll check out the quality and publish the images on this site.

Why would we use the X1D? For many years I have promoted Phase One and Mamiya Leaf digital backs and they produce exceptional results with the right camera platform and lenses. “In the beginning” we would use a 10×8 cameras, then 5×4 and let’s face it photographers at the time wanted sensors at ridiculous sizes – at this time a scanning back was the way forward. Now we have larger sensors that are being integrated into camera systems with exceptional lenses and let’s face it, it can only get better!

Camera systems have reduced in size and DSLR’s produce much better quality images so it’s time there was a ‘middle market’ product/s to satisfy photographers that want a camera with a large sensor but not have to invest in a digital back system. Don’t email me with the ‘old’ argument “Medium format digital backs are better” or “My DSLR is half the price and just as good as a medium format system” as I get plenty of email with these arguments, asking which would I buy?

Today, you should take time to evaluate the camera system that is applicable to your work.

Mirrorless is a waste of time, it’ll never replace my Canon/Nikon, there are not enough lenses…blah, blah, blah. So what! If you shoot with a technical camera you can add a digital back, a Nikon/Canon or mirrorless bodies. The mirrorless camera is great with a technical camera as it enables you to focus with wider angle lenses because the sensor is further forward. Now we have Hasselblad and Fuji with a large sensor AND mirrorless – hmmm.. add this to a technical camera and you will have a great system.

What does the future hold?

Hasselblad have a good camera, it’s compact, has a high quality 50MP sensor and is compatible with Phocus capture software. We don’t necessarily need more pixel resolution as 50MP is plenty for most types of work. Functionality and compatibility is more interesting to photographers. Future firmware updates will improve and fine-tune an evolving system. Okay, the electronic sensor isn’t yet ‘synched’ for flash but you can always use continuous lighting.

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